Architecture I: Forts of Rajasthan

1. Classification of Forts (Shukra Niti)

Rajasthan's fortification follows the classification defined in the Shukra Niti, which categorizes forts into 9 types: • Giri Durg: Hill fort (e.g., Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh). • Jal Durg: Water fort (e.g., Gagron, Bhainsroadgarh). • Dhanvan Durg: Desert fort (e.g., Jaisalmer). • Airan Durg: Fort surrounded by forest and thorny paths (e.g., Ranthambore). • Parikh Durg: Fort surrounded by a deep moat (e.g., Lohagarh). • Paridha Durg: Fort surrounded by a massive stone wall. • Van Durg: Forest fort. • Sainya Durg: Military fort (Defended by soldiers). • Sahay Durg: Ally fort (Defended by loyalists).

2. UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Hill Forts of Rajasthan)

In 2013, six hill forts were awarded UNESCO status (Mnemonic: Chiku Gaajar Aam):

1. Chittorgarh
2. Kumbhalgarh
3. Gaagron
4. Jaisalmer
5. Ranthambore
6. Aamer

3. Notable Architectural Marvels

Chittorgarh Fort (The Sirmour of Forts)

• Founder: Chitrangad Mori (Maurya). • Vijay Stambh: 9-story tower built by Maharana Kumbha in 1448. Known as the 'Encyclopedia of Indian Sculpture'. • Three Sakas: 1303 (Ratan Singh - Alauddin Khilji), 1534 (Vikramaditya - Bahadur Shah), 1567 (Uday Singh - Akbar).

Kumbhalgarh Fort (The Unconquerable)

• Architect: Mandan. Built by Maharana Kumbha. • Feature: World's 2nd longest wall (36 km). Highest part is Katargarh ('Eye of Mewar').

Mehrangarh Fort (Sun Citadel, Jodhpur)

• Founder: Rao Jodha (1459) on Chidiya-Tunk hill. • Key Feature: Rudyard Kipling called it a work of 'Titans'. Houses Chamunda Mata temple.

Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Quila)

• Identity: India's only 'Living Fort'. Built with yellow sandstone without mortar. • Bastions: 99 bastions (Burj), the highest in Rajasthan.

Junagarh Fort (Bikaner)

• Uniqueness: Built on plain land (Dhanvan type). Never conquered. Built by Raja Rai Singh.